Letitia and Naomi Overend are ladies who left an enduring legacy. Born at the end of the 19th century, the sisters were passionate about travel, the outdoors and especially motor cars. Today, their family home, Airfield, a 19th century house located on a 40-acre estate in the foothills of the Dublin mountains is private charitable trust, where visitors are encouraged to learn more about nature and the arts in an inspirational setting. Very much family-orientated, there's much to savour at Airfield, from the farm and walks in the formal garden to the car museum, which has Letitia's 1927 Rolls Royce (and even the receipt for it), Naomi's 1936 Austin Tickford and their mother Lily's 1920's Peugeot. A trip to Airfield is a relatively cheap day out too – a family pass for two adults and two children costs ¤18. But Tribune Magazine readers will get in free for today if they present their magazine at entry.

It's coming up to one of the prettiest times of the year here, when some 60,000 bulbs will soon be bursting into spring glory. Next month also sees the roll out of a schedule of activities like a young gardener's club, Family Sundays, as well as myriad concerts, workshops and exhibitions. A stop off at the Overends Café is highly recommended. Set in the drawing room, library and sitting room on the ground floor of the old house, it has a lovely old-fashioned feel to it and serves up good, home-cooked food with much of the produce, herbs and salad greens coming from the Airfield gardens. The house is also becoming an increasingly popular choice for those looking for a cost-friendly wedding. Not only is it comparatively cheap to rent out, but settings like the terrace overlooking the walled garden and the wonderful red oak trees make for a much more personal setting than the usual hotel venues, and the bridal party can bring their own touches to the event.

Some 50,000 visitors come to the farm every year, while the education programme, café, gift shop (which stocks great toys and Orla Kiely stationery), weddings and functions see another 40,000 people coming to Airfield. Children's birthday parties, which take place in a Mongolian Yurt, which is situated in a field beside the goats, ducks and ponies, are especially memorable and a nice alternative to the usual bouncy castles. You just know that Letitia and Naomi would thoroughly approve.

airfield

Upper Kilmacud Road

Dundrum

Dublin 14

Tel: 01 298 4301

www.airfield.ie

* Tribune Magazine readers will get in free for today if they present their magazine at entry